Off the Bike
community
For the past two years I have organized and run a bi-monthly summer racing series in various locals around the Lower Mainland and on the North Shore Mountains. This is one of the only grassroots development and introduction programs for XC mountain bike racing existing in Vancouver. These races encourage mountain bikers of all levels and ages to get involved and try out racing, thus promoting the growth and development of the sport. For more information on Toonie Racing, please visit: www.toonieracing.com
education
Elementary School: Jules Quesnel Elementary (French Immersion)
High School: Kitsilano High School (French Immersion)
Post Secondary: 2002-2003: University of Victoria, 2006-present: Langara College
Currently, I'm taking courses at Langara College, working towards an undergraduate degree in Human Kinetics. I hope this can provide a good stepping-stone towards further education for a career in the health care field.
Where I see myself 5 years from now: At the moment, I am taking life one year at a time, re-assessing my cycling aspirations after every season. As long as I keep improving and reaching my goals, I hope to still be racing in 5 years in my attempt of making my passion into a career! I will keep chipping away at school part time so that sometime in the future when I return to school full time, I can work towards a possible career in physiotherapy, chiropractics or medicine.
travel
Outside of cycling, discovering new countries and cultures would have to be one of my biggest interests. There are countless places to discover in the world so when opportunity arises to tick one off the list, I will always jump at the chance. Below is a brief description of some of the international places I have visited:
Costa Rica: Surfing trip with my sisters and friends. Spent time in a beach bungalow on the west coast.
New Zealand: Spent 9 months here traveling both islands and living out of a van. Settled down in the gracious hospitality of fellow kiwi mtb racers and got a job at a cafe/bar.
Australia: Spent a month on the Gold Coast. Ran out of money quickly and it didn't take me long to flee to Indonesia to ride out my savings.
Indonesia: Spent 1.5 months here, mainly on the island of Bali. Rented scooters and surfed various breaks around the island. Also spent a week on a boat visiting breaks on neighbouring islands.
Western Europe: Various trips throughout Western Europe to visit family.
Cuba: My favorite country in which I've traveled so far. Traveled around the country for 1.5 months with my friend Nick. Interesting political situation, friendly and very welcoming people and vary safe.
Jamaica: Traveled around the island for 1.5 months with my friend Nick. Definitely the roughest country I've visited so far. Did not feel welcome or comfortable in most areas and it was definitely not safe enough to go outside after dark! However, there were great beaches and we got to freeload in a posh villa for a few days!
Overall Favorite Place: Dreamland Bali, Indonesia and Baracoa, Cuba
other interests
Surfing: Throughout my travels over the past years, surfing was a sport that captured my attention. It is completely different from cycling and offered me with a fresh challenge and skill to conquer. My year in New Zealand and Indonesia is where I was able to harness the little skills I have. Favorite wave: Ahipara, NZ.
Coffee: Much of my time is spent in coffee shops whether I'm attempting to study for exams or before, after and sometimes even during rides. Time traveling to races is often spent discovering the surrounding coffee shops where countless hours are spent! Favorite Local Hangout: Benny's Bagels. Standard Drink: Americano. Best Coffee to Date: Cafe Fantastico, Cook Street Village, Victoria.
Music: I have a very diverse and broad taste in music. I enjoy anything from Reggae (most kinds) to Hip Hop and Indie rock/pop bands (whatever that means these days...) to electronic dance music. On my Ipizzle: CBC Radio 3 podcasts, Metric, The Dears, DJ Champion, MSTRKRFT. Last Concert Attended: MSTRKRFT at the Plaza, Vancouver.
Food: Preparing a delicious nutritious meal is among my favorite activities. Being an athlete gives me the appetite close to that of a lion and requires careful planing in order to ensure I receive all the necessary nutrients to help me go fast! The food network on TV is among my favorite channels and inspires me to take the time to experiment and improvise my meals which keeps me well occupied after my training sessions. Favorite Meal: Coconut Thai Green Curry. Latest Discovery: Bruschetta. Favorite Restaurant: The Naam Restaurant + Foundation - Vancouver.Default Quick Bit to Eat: Nat's Pizzeria - Vancouver.
Beer: Yes. Beer is tasty, delicious and refreshing. This is one vice I need to keep in check for much of the year, but there is not much that is better then enjoying a nice chilled beverage after a hard ride in some warm weather, or celebrating a successful race with a brown pop in the hot tub! Much like coffee, I enjoy tasting the various local brews from the areas I travel to. Favorite Brewery: Philips, Double IPA - Victoria. Favorite Variety: Indian Pale Ale.
Hockey: Two words. Vancouver Canucks. I have never had the chance to be able to play ice hockey but have long been an avid fan of the game. Having grown up in Vancouver, it would be hard to imagine cheering for any other team then the Canucks and have been grasped by the team ever since their 1994 playoff run.
